Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad Recipe

Cucumbers: Fresh and crisp, they add a cool crunch to the salad.

Onion: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they bring a burst of color and flavor.

Olive oil: A rich, flavorful oil that forms the base of the dressing.

Red wine vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity that enhances the flavors of the vegetables.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth to the salad.

To enhance the flavor of the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes, consider letting the salad marinate for a longer period, such as 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing to fully penetrate the vegetables, resulting in a more robust and well-rounded taste. Additionally, you can add a pinch of sugar to the dressing to balance the acidity of the vinegar.

• sliced cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative in salads.

• sliced cucumbers - Substitute with celery: Celery provides a crunchy texture and a refreshing taste, similar to cucumbers.

• sliced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can be more appealing in a salad.

• sliced onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions have a less pungent taste and add a fresh, crisp element to the salad.

• cut into wedges tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and can be used whole or halved, adding a burst of flavor.

• cut into wedges tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a sweet and smoky flavor, adding depth to the salad.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild, buttery flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is light and neutral in flavor, making it a good alternative for dressings.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a tangy flavor that complements the salad well.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a slightly sweet and rich flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, which can enhance the taste of the salad.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a more complex flavor profile and can be used in the same quantity.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the peppery taste without altering the color of the salad.

• black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and a different dimension of flavor to the salad.

• To store your marinated cucumber onion and tomato salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain the freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The cucumbers and tomatoes may release some water over time, so give it a quick toss before serving.
• If you want to extend the shelf life, consider storing the dressing separately. Combine the vegetables and dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
• Freezing this salad is not recommended. The cucumbers and tomatoes have high water content and will become mushy upon thawing, compromising the texture and flavor.
• For a quick refresh, you can add a splash of red wine vinegar or a drizzle of olive oil before serving leftovers. This will revive the flavors and give it a fresh taste.
• If you have leftover onions, they can be stored separately in a small container and used in other recipes like soups or stir-fries.

• Embrace the chill: This marinated cucumber onion and tomato salad is best enjoyed cold. Simply transfer the leftovers from the fridge to a serving bowl and give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing.

• Room temperature revival: If you prefer a slightly warmer touch, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will take the edge off the chill without compromising the fresh, crisp texture of the vegetables.

• Gentle microwave nudge: For those who enjoy a warmer salad, place the salad in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the cucumbers and tomatoes soggy.

• Warm dressing trick: Heat the olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing separately in a small saucepan over low heat until just warm. Pour the warm dressing over the cold salad and toss gently. This method warms the salad slightly while maintaining the crispness of the vegetables.

• Quick sauté: For a unique twist, quickly sauté the salad in a hot pan for 1-2 minutes. This method will slightly soften the onions and tomatoes, giving the salad a different texture and flavor profile while still retaining some crunch from the cucumbers.

• Large mixing bowl: To combine the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes.

• Small bowl: For whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

• Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly.

• Knife: To slice the cucumbers, onions, and cut the tomatoes into wedges.

• Cutting board: To provide a surface for slicing the vegetables.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the olive oil and red wine vinegar.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the salt and black pepper.

• Tongs or salad tossers: To toss the salad and ensure the dressing coats the vegetables evenly.

Pre-slice vegetables: Slice the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes in advance and store them in airtight containers.

Use a mandoline: A mandoline slicer can quickly and uniformly slice your cucumbers and onions.

Make dressing ahead: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper and store in a jar.

Batch prep: Prepare a larger quantity of the salad and keep it in the fridge for multiple meals.

Quick marination: Use a shallow dish to marinate the salad faster.